Discover the news beyond the headlines with our daily selection of the stories that matter.

Informed

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

To succeed on Spotify and other services, songs are getting shorter, albums are getting longer, and artists are collaborating across genres. The Wall Street Journal reflect on the evolving landscape of the music industry due to streaming's influence.

Then, Universal Music Group agreed its first deal to overhaul streaming economics — the first significant change to the business model since Spotify was created in 2008. The Financial Times reports that Deezer will pay more royalties to "professional artists" starting in October.

Discover the news beyond the headlines with Curio’s daily selection of the global stories that really matter.

The changing world of music streaming

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

As in recent years, the U.N. General Assembly deliberations are occurring amid a profound global gloom. The Washington Post reflects on how the gap between the demand for international cooperation and its supply is widening, leading to scepticism about the Intergovernmental Organization's ability to address urgent global issues.

Then, a cold war-style stalemate over Ukraine and Sino-American tensions have left the Security Council at a low ebb. The Financial Times explores the Security Council's paralysis due to tensions between Western powers, Russia, and China, suggesting that other bodies like the G20 are gaining prominence.

The United Nations' battle for relevance

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Keir Starmer vows to secure a "much better" Brexit deal if he wins the next general election. He plans to use a five-yearly "implementation review" starting in 2026 to seek improvements in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. However, as Peter Foster and Andy Bounds, his red lines, which exclude single market membership and a customs union, limit the potential for significant changes.

Then, Starmer is meeting with Emmanuel Macron to discuss potential changes and test interest in a broader trading arrangement if they win the next election. However, The Guardian reveals concerns about the EU's willingness to renegotiate without significant concessions.

Daring or delusional? Starmer's bid for a new Brexit deal

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

The Wall Street Journal reflects on the latest example of a malady afflicting Washington; when politicians get too old or too sick to do their job, they won't cough up what's wrong—or step aside. Here, she reveals that this reluctance contributes to dwindling trust in the nation's politicians.

Compared to peer countries, the U.S. is mainly dominated by older elected officials; one in five congresspeople is over the age of 70, making it one of the nation's most elderly professions. The Financial Times reflects on the concerns over legislators' physical fitness and mental competency and being out of touch with issues that matter to younger voters.

The problem with America's gerontocracy

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Mexican senators conducted their first official hearing on extraterrestrial life, where they received testimony and were shown alleged remains of "non-human" mummies. Two shrivelled bodies with shrunken heads were displayed during the hearing, along with video footage of unexplained phenomena. The Guardian examines how the event aimed to encourage transparency and international cooperation regarding extraterrestrial phenomena.

Then, a panel of scientific experts commissioned by NASA to study "unidentified anomalous phenomena," more widely known as UFOs, said that it found no evidence that any of the reported objects were extraterrestrial in origin. The Washington Post investigates these claims.

UFOs: should we believe?

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, is presented by our host Manish Verma.

In today's episode...

Could Kevin McCarthy's impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden help him save his job? The Republican House Speaker certainly thinks so. However, the move comes with a significant risk to McCarthy's credibility, as the Financial Times.

Then, Bloomberg analyses why the move by the House also risks devaluing the meaningful mechanism of impeachment and weakening the U.S.'s wider constitutional system.

The trending weapon: Impeachment

The prospect of podcast riches led to aggressive investments in celebrity deals and original programming for what appeared to be a sky's-the-limit media frontier. But has it paid off? Anne Steele and Sarah Krouse reflect on Spotify's bid to become a major player in the podcasting world and its implications for the industry's future. Read by Sharon McCune.

Thirty-eight time Pulitzer Prize winner, The Wall Street Journal offers unrivalled coverage of global markets. Discover insights on business, politics and current affairs.

The Wall Street Journal

Spotify’s $1 billion podcast bet turns into a serial drama

Russell Brand and the era of sadistic tabloid misogyny

Zoe Williams explores how the media landscape of the noughties rewarded behaviour that is now seen as unacceptable, with examples of comedians like Russel Brand making jokes about sexual violence and the rise of lad culture. Here, she reflects on why the era's effects are still being felt. Read by Emma Powell.

The Guardian is the world's leading liberal voice providing independent analysis and investigative journalism on current topics like environment, art, and human rights.

The Guardian

The nasty noughties: Russell Brand and the era of sadistic tabloid misogyny

The nation’s economy is suffering because an increasingly autocratic government is making bad decisions. The Economist reflects on why, after four decades of fast growth, an era of disappointment is beginning in China.

Read by the world's political and business leaders, The Economist offers authoritative insight and opinion on news, politics, business, finance, science and technology.

The Economist

Why China’s economy won’t be fixed

We can't go back to a time before our online privacy was at risk, but "we can demand much more from the reckless stewards of our information," argues Charlie Warzel. Here, he grapples with what digital privacy means in 2023 and why it's so hard to find a fitting metaphor. Read by Karl Miller.

Exploring the American idea through ambitious, essential reporting and storytelling. Of no party or clique since 1857.

The Atlantic

Slouching toward ‘accept all cookies’

Our daily selection of the global stories that really matter, presented by our host Manish Verma. 

In today's episode...

Who will replace Tsai Ing-wen as president? Ahead of Taiwan's 2024 election, The Guardian discusses the leading candidates as tensions with China weigh on citizens' minds. 

Then, what will Tsai Ing-wen's final year in office look like? Bloomberg explores how securing the island nation's global supply chain position will be her key priority.